Ramsey 23 – Team DQ 21 A tough match throughout. On form this should have been DQ’s game but the determined Ramsey girls were out for a win. DQ set off with an early 2-0 lead but Ramsey fought hard to regain control of the situation. DQ elegantly delivered to the attacking circle, often making it look more like a form of art than a game of middle division netball. Ramsey maintained pressure with some quickly converted centre passes and great shots from Claire Fletcher (GS) & Brigid Cummins (GA) reducing the deficit to 3-6 in DQ’s favour at quarter time. A few quick tactical changes saw DQ lead for the last time in this game as Ramsey went from strength to strength. Although DQ’s timely centre court movement and sharp passing was beautifully executed, Ramsey’s tight defensive positioning made it progressively difficult for the DQ girls to optimise their chances. Gill Cunningham’s (GD) quick feet ensured DQ’s GA struggled to re-enter the circle and (GK) Tilly Davies made several fantastic interceptions, earning the unstoppable Davies her 8th ‘Player of the match’ accolade this season! An evenly matched but toughly contended game on both sides. Exasperation was evident as the final whistle neared but Ramsey persisted, delivering a 23-21 victory over Team DQ, comfortably retaining 4th position in the league. POTM: Tilly Davies (Ramsey) & Rachel Seed (Team DQ.) Umpires: Stacey Staines/Rachel Cuddy & Jess Hatton. Fencibles A 31 - PWC Manx Gems Emeralds 26 Emeralds fervently defended their position as Division two leaders but their efforts were in vain as the young Fencibles team walked away with a 31-26 victory and top spot on the leaderboard. An important match for both teams, tension was in the air and on the sidelines as both sides settled into their game. A fairly evenly matched first quarter with some great feeding into the attacking circles on both sides. Fencibles were the early leaders but a few small errors saw the ball back in Emeralds’ eager hands. Fencibles refused to give up, eventually regaining possession and a 9-6 lead on their opposition. Keen to retain their title, Emeralds came back fighting in the 2nd quarter, scoring the first two goals. Lyndsey Macadam (GK) kept Fencibles’ GA at bay whilst Rachel Cuddy (GD) worked equally hard to minimise their scoring potential. This temporarily unsettled the Fencibles’ attack but hard work and perseverance proved successful as they gained advantage and demonstrated some beautiful passing into the circle. Standing their ground against the tight Emeralds’ defense, (GS) Rachel Jarvis shoots and scores increasing the half time score to 16-13 in Fencibles favour. In the 3rd quarter, the game really gained momentum. As Emeralds scored, Fencibles reacted accordingly, tightening defensive structure. This paid off as they intercepted the ball, claiming the next goal. Jarvis drove nicely onto the ball and fully utilised the WA and C on the circle edge to gain advantage. The Fencibles’ game really began to flow with beautiful passing, some excellent defensive work from Annie Barratt (GK) and Voirrey Acheson (GD) not to mention the almost effortless shooting from Jarvis - you could just feel them going in! Yet again, Emeralds stepped up their game, ensuring Fencibles really worked for their goals. Barratt had a great stretch but it wasn’t enough to deter (GA) Jane Oates from scoring. Pace unbelievably continued to increase and Emeralds fed a beautiful pass from C to their GS converting a quick goal, but the divide was too great to conquer leaving Emeralds defeated by a 5 point lead. Acheson created some great opportunities for her Fencibles team and earned herself her 3rd ‘Player of the match’ recognition this season. POTM: Rachel Cuddy (Emeralds) and Voirrey Acheson, (Fencibles). Umpires: Gaynor Hewings & Helen Fitzgerald. For photos of this weeks matches visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manx-Netball-Association/109810119043706 Results: Sunday 30th January 2011 Fencibles A 31, PWC Manx Gems Emeralds 26; Ramsey 23, Team DQ 21; C&S Joinery C 30, Thompson C 17. Fixtures: Sunday 6th February 2011 NSC 1: 9am C&S Joinery A v Ballasalla B; 10am Ballasalla A v Route 1 11am PWC Manx Gems Rubies v Thompson A. NSC 2: 9am PWC Manx Gems Emeralds v Nobody’s Angels; 10am Manx Glass Saints v C&S Joinery B; 11am C&S Joinery C v Ashley Allstars. QE2: 10am Team DQ v Anglo Manx; 11am Missifts v PokerStars. CRHS: 9am Fencibles A v Thompson B; 10am Vanilla Room v Ramsey; 11am Thompson C v Fencibles B Ends